FO dismisses “misleading” reports, backs diplomacy

The Foreign Office of Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful engagement

The Foreign Office of Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful engagement for regional stability. It has also strongly rejected recent international media reports, terming them misleading and based on speculation.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi addressed the weekly press briefing in Islamabad. He said Pakistan believes that constructive dialogue and diplomatic engagement are essential for lasting peace in the region. He added that Pakistan will continue to promote cooperation and peaceful solutions to regional issues.

The spokesperson categorically rejected a recent CBS News report. He described the report as inaccurate and disconnected from facts. The report had made claims regarding aircraft movements and regional security developments.

He clarified that the aircraft mentioned in the report arrived during a ceasefire period. He said it was used only for diplomatic purposes related to ongoing engagement discussions in Islamabad. He emphasized that the aircraft had no connection with any military activity or operational contingency.

Andrabi said Pakistan’s response to the report was clear and based on factual clarification. He added that Pakistan remains committed to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and mutual respect among all states.

The spokesperson also highlighted Pakistan’s recent diplomatic engagements. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held telephone conversations with the leaders of Qatar and Azerbaijan. These discussions focused on regional peace, stability, and ongoing diplomatic efforts.

He added that the Prime Minister also extended goodwill messages regarding Azerbaijan’s upcoming international events. Pakistan, he said, continues to support diplomatic efforts for peace in the region.

The briefing also covered the activities of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The spokesperson said the foreign minister has been in regular contact with his counterparts from several countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, China, Singapore, and Austria.

He said discussions included regional security, diplomatic coordination, and maritime stability, particularly regarding sensitive waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Andrabi stated that Pakistan and China recently reaffirmed their strong commitment to diplomacy and regional stability during a phone conversation between their foreign ministers. He rejected media claims suggesting external pressure on Pakistan, calling them inaccurate and misrepresented.

Security matters were also discussed during the briefing. The spokesperson referred to a recent terrorist attack on a police post in Bannu in which 15 security personnel were martyred. He said Pakistan strongly condemned the attack and raised the issue with Afghan authorities.

He said the Afghan chargé d’affaires was summoned and a formal protest was lodged. Pakistan urged Afghan authorities to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorist groups operating from their territory.

The spokesperson said preliminary investigations suggest the attack was planned by militants based across the border. He reiterated Pakistan’s demand for decisive action against all such groups.

He further stated that Pakistan remains fully committed to eliminating terrorism and dismantling networks that threaten national security.